16-year-old charged after shots fired midday in busy Alabama Walmart parking lot

A 16-year-old has been charged following a broad daylight shooting in the parking lot of a Walmart in Alabama.

The gunfire erupted at the Walmart in east Gadsden at 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

While no one was injured in the incident, many vehicles were damaged.

Police said that the argument between two people started inside the store and then continued outside.

During the argument, the 16-year-old ran with a gun and tried to shoot the other person. Meanwhile, he hit two vehicles.

“This outcome is not something we take lightly,” Polis said in a press release Saturday night. “In a crowded parking lot, in the middle of the day, this situation could easily have resulted in a terrible tragedy.”

“What we saw today was a choice,” Polis said. “One person chose to escalate tensions, chose to introduce a firearm into a situation that could never be put into words. He chose to put innocent people at risk.”

Officials said officers acted effectively and deliberately. Witnesses remained at the scene and voluntarily cooperated with investigators.

The teenager, whose name has not been released, is accused of shooting twice into an occupied vehicle. He is being charged as an adult and more charges are pending.

“We’re lucky no one was injured. Situations like this remind us of how fast things can happen,” Gadsden Police Chief Lamar Jaggears said. “Our officers and this community responded exactly as they should, and we will continue to hold people accountable when they choose to endanger others.”

“I’m so glad this didn’t end in tragedy,” Mayor Craig Ford said. “I appreciate the quick response of our officers and the cooperation of those at the scene. That’s what keeps our community strong.”

Read the original article al.com. To add al.com As a Preferred Source by click here.